Barack Obama greets Muslims on Eid al-Fitr

Washington: US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle on Thursday sent their warmest greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr around the world, calling it "part of a great tapestry of America's many traditions."

"Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid-al-Fitr in the United States and around the world," Obama said in his message.

"For millions of Americans, Eid is part of a great tapestry of America's many traditions, and I wish all Muslims a blessed and joyful celebration. Eid Mubarak," Obama said.

Eid is being celebrated on Thursday in the Arab world and most of the East Asian countries, with people ending the fasting month of Ramadan with lavish feasts and by attending services at mosques.

"During the past month, Muslims have honored their faith through prayer and service, fasting and time spent with loved ones," Obama said.

He said that at this year's White House Iftar, he was proud to spend time with some of the many American Muslims whose contributions had enriched America's democracy and strengthened its economy.

"Many of us have had the opportunity to breakfast with our Muslim friends and colleagues - a tradition that reminds us to be grateful for our blessings and to show compassion to the less fortunate among us, including millions of Syrians who spent Ramadan displaced from their homes, their families, and their loved ones," he said.

To help the Syrians in need this Eid, the US is providing an additional USD 195 million in humanitarian aid, bringing its humanitarian contribution to the Syrian people to over USD one billion since the crisis began in 2011.